Sihanoukville, Cambodia – February 5

bus beer - cheapest yet...65 cents!! love it

Warm again…no one even really cares specifically…everyone knows what the weather will be

monk after giving us a water blessing

Today we are travelling by air to Siem Reap – Angkor Wat.

The day was really quite fantastic, the least of the reasons for that being that we were a very small group of 8. There are 19 of us going to Angkor Wat, but 11 had already toured Sihanoukville and didn’t want to again.

shaved ice snack the school kids can buy at recess

Our first stop was for lunch at a swanky beach hotel. Most of the food was ‘western/international’ cuisine, but I was able to try yom-tam soup. This broth-based, semi-spicy fish and mushroom soup is typically Cambodian. I think it can be with meats other than fish, but although I was a bit suspect of the fish, it was excellent.  The location was incredibly beautiful and tranquil. However how lovely the boat that is our home for 2 months is a change of mealtime scenery is welcome.

kids buying recess snacks

After lunch we stop at an elementary school. It’s funny how kids are kids are kids, no matter where in the world. We arrived at recess to find them playing, screaming, chasing and pushing. They are even dressed in the same uniform as my school – many of the white shirts are as dirty as the white uniform shirts I’m familiar with. 

Next was water blessing by a monk followed by a market visit. This market was fascinating. As usual one of my favourite spots to visit is a market and this one did not disappoint. It was packed with people, but I don’t think I was bumped or pushed once. The air was heavy with humidity and the smell of fish.